Gout

What is it?

Gout is the recurring attack of inflammatory arthritis in the joint area; it causes swollen, red, stiff, and often hot joints.

Who is at risk?

Men between the ages of 40 and 50 are especially susceptible to gout. Individuals are also more likely to develop gout if they consume excessive amounts of alcohol regularly; have a related medical condition, such as diabetes; or have a family history of gout.

Symptoms

Symptoms of gout include:

• Sudden onset intense pain in affected areas.
  • Most commonly, gout is found in the large joint of the big toe, though it may also occur in the joints of feet, ankles, knees, hands, and wrists.
  • Swollen, warm joints with reddish discolouration.
  • Patients may also develop fever alongside acute gout attacks.

Causes

Gout is caused by the accumulation of sharp urate crystals in small fluid-filled sacs around the joints; such crystal deposits result in joint inflammation, intense pain and other symptoms of gout.

Diagnosis

Gout may be diagnosed by drawing fluid from afflicted joints and examining for the presence of urate crystals. A blood test may also be conducted to determine the level of uric acid in the blood. Please note that a high level of uric acid in the blood is not necessarily indicative of gout, and results should only be interpreted by a medical professional.

Treatment

We offer consultation, medication, diet and lifestyle recommendations, and ultrasound guided cortisone joint injections.

sources: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gout/DS00090

http://www.healthline.com/health/gout